Andrew Sherry, Head of Fares Management and Supplier Relations at Business First Partnership, highlights how our innovative technology, far-reaching buying power and expertise means we always unlock exceptional value for our clients.
Constantly innovating to deliver bottom-line value via corporate travel management is in our DNA at Business First Partnership.
Our 360 Technology Suite was created for busy corporate travellers and travel bookers, based on years of experience and valued client feedback. It provides a range of bespoke easy-to-use features that ensure we provide maximum value.
One of the key features, which combined with our industry expertise and strong network, is our ability to secure excellent fares.
Last year BFP strengthened our in-house fares team, led by Andrew Sherry, to manage our auditing process ensuring promotions, discounts and upgrades are always applied to every flight to maximise savings.
To provide key insights into how BFP delivers an average annual saving of 38% on corporate travel for our clients, we spoke to our Head of Fares Management and Supplier Relations – Andrew, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the industry.
Maximising technology
BFP’s 360 Technology Suite provides our team with all the tools they need alongside their experience and partnerships to provide our clients with excellent results.
“We offer the perfect balance of modern travel technology and dedicated experts so you really can have the best of both worlds,” explained Andrew.
BFP’s innovative technology scans hundreds of seat and ticket inventories every 20 seconds to find reduced long-haul fares, cabin upgrades and the best seats from the moment a seat is held.
“It helps pinpoint the best time to book, which day of the week to fly and even which airport is cheapest to fly to,” said Andrew. “If your dedicated travel team can identify a lower fare they will make sure they secure it.”
Our Fare Finder technology is just one part of an ever-expanding suite of intuitive easy-to-use travel management tools available to our clients, which also includes an auto-approve function.
The My BFP app sends instant alerts to clients when the best deals hit the market and enables our team to secure them as quickly as possible.
Buying power
BFP has a long-standing commercial partnership with a global travel group, enabling us to combine the buying power of a large travel management company, with the flexibility and exceptional customer-care of a privately-owned business.
Andrew explained: “ Its extensive data allows us to access millions of travel options, fares and cabin upgrades yet because of our smaller size we can provide an incredibly responsive service which is personally tailored to every client.
“With so much choice we can be certain we find the perfect deal and the best possible value for their corporate travel budget.”
Experience
As part of BFP’s commitment to delivering high standards of service we only employ account teams with at least ten years’ relevant travel industry experience.
Our dedicated reservations team are experienced in quickly evaluating the best options available for our clients and providing tailored advice according to their objectives to ensure savings are maximised.
For example, direct flights are always more convenient, however, if you have a bit more time, sometimes an indirect flight only adds a couple of hours to the journey but could secure a significant cost saving.
Andrew said: “Our sister company Music First Partnership (MFP) is arranging travel for artists that originate from everywhere in the world and can be travelling anywhere globally.
“We can be a little creative about the route. I have 30 years’ experience in the sector and can find fares overseas that you wouldn’t necessarily find because of the invaluable level of knowledge we have here.”
Passion for travel and service
Andrew has been with BFP for over 14 years and in the corporate travel sector for 25 years.
“It’s not just me, that’s an expert in this sector, it’s everyone on the team,” he said.
“In corporate travel, many clients will be going straight into a meeting so it’s vital they have a stress-free and restful experience.”
BFP works with a range of people including travel managers, EAs, PAs, CEOs, finance directors and office managers to provide corporate travel management support.
“We provide practical forward-thinking corporate travel solutions with the utmost care and attention. We store every traveller’s preferences and are available round-the-clock providing support no matter the time zone,” added Andrew.
“Everyone in the team has a passion for travel and service. All our clients can quickly message any one of our agents and get the answers they need.
“The name says it all. We really do work in partnership with our clients.”
To explore how BFP can secure outstanding fares and enhance your corporate travel management, get in touch today to arrange a discovery call.
